PSD Interface Hardware and Software

The Model 20/20 PSD hardware will operate with any third party multichannel analyzer system, or with our embedded processor, which includes specialized firmware and GUI software. Embedded processor operation is described below.

The detector is operated in two basic modes: stationary and scanning. In stationary mode, the detector is moved to a fixed position and data is collected while the detector is stationary. Scan mode enables collecting information over a larger region of space by continuously moving the detector along the position sensitive axis.

This Graphical User Interface (GUI) software interacts with the user to define starting parameters, calculate calibration parameters, and display data plots. The embedded processor communicates over an RS-232 serial line with a host system running Windows NT, XP, or Linux. Communication software reads the configuration files, then sends parameters to the embedded system via the serial line.

The embedded system uses the starting parameters to control PSD data collection, and sends a binary data structure to the host when the data collection loop is exited. Data display and archiving is completed on the host system. Data on embedded system is erased upon initiation of next data collection period. Embedded system program files are stored in the non-volatile, solid state flash disk.

Host System GUI Features

Configuration and Setup Pages

Data Display Pages

Calibration Page

Other Features:
* Provides automatic installation process.
* Displays current date and time, and date and time of data set(s) file creation.
* Includes online help and informative error messages.
* Program is stand-alone executable for NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows XP, or Linux.